Inclination responsive switch



1942- R. FINGOLD 2,290,869

INCLINATION RESPONSIVE SWITCH Filed April 15, 1959 Patented July 28, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT" OFFICE Application April 15, 1939, Serial No. 268,047

14 Claims.

Appliances and apparatus such as electric irons are frequently provided with a plug; some plugs have a push-pull or snap switch for the purpose of connecting the heating or other electrical element of the iron or other appliance to a source of current, or of disconnecting the same therefrom, and a great many plugs do not have a push-pull or snap switch or any other kind of switch, and it is necessary to either attach or remove the plug from the apparatus or appliance for the purpose of connecting or disconnecting electrical current as desired. Such irons are likewise conventionally provided with means for enabling them to be rested on their rearward ends, such as integral projecting brackets or stands. Such movement has, of course, no efiect whatsoever upon the conventional plug or switch, and since an iron in such position is inactive or out of use, leaving the switch on represents a waste of current, particularly where the iron is put in use again within a very few minutes, as in such period of time it does not appreciably lose its heat. In those cases where the iron is not again used promptly, or where the ironer is called away or is forgetful, the current may remain on for a long time and either cause burning out of the heating elements or result in possible damage to the surroundings due to overheating. In many cases the switches do not operate easily or the plugs are not removed easily and there is a natural tendency not to disconnect the iron from the source of current during temporary disuse. Since the heating element of an iron has only a given number of hours of life, the disadvantages of ordinary practices are apparent.

It is, accordingly, one of the objects of the present invention to provide an electric iron or otherelectrical appliance or device with a switch which automatically turns oil the current when the iron, etc. is put in an inoperative position.

Another object of the invention resides in an electrical appliance or device such as an electric iron which is provided with a modified plug containing therein a mercury switch which requires for its operation only a change in position of the iron, appliance, or other device.

A further object of the invention resides in a plug, adapted to be connected to an electric iron or other actuated or controlled appliance or apparatus, which is so modified as to embody therein a mercury switch -of such nature that disconnection or connection with a source of current can be broken or made, merely by appropriately altering the position of the plug.

Other and further objects and advantages reside in the various combinations, subcombinations, and details hereinafter described and in such other and further matters as will be understood by those skilled in'this art.

In the accompanying drawing:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of an electric iron provided with a plug and switch embodying the present invention, the iron being in normal ironing position;

Fig. 2 is a view of the parts of Fig. 1 in inactive or inoperative position;

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view, partly in elevation, of a plug embodying one form of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 of a modified form of the invention;

Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view of a modified form of mercury capsule per se;

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 of a still further modification;

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 5 of still an additional modified form of capsule; and

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 3 but for use in connection with the alternate connection and disconnection of a plurality of electrical devices or pieces of equipment and represents an application of the invention to industrial purposes;

Referring now to the drawing in detail, and

first to Figs. 1 to 3, inclusive, it will be appre-,

ciated that I have made no change whatsoever in the electric iron or other electric appliance or apparatus. While the invention will be particularly described in connection with an electric iron, it is to be understood that this is for exemplary purposes only and is not deemed to constitute a limitation upon the invention which has numerous other uses as will be hereinafter mentioned or apparent. 7

Electric iron I0 is provided with the usual body, portion II and a detachable cast metal base I2 held in place by the usual fastening instrumentalities IS. The body II is provided with upwardly extending brackets It, also held in place by the fastening instrumentalities 13, between and connecting which is the conventional handle i5 which may be of rubber, plastic, or other suitable nonmetallic material. One bracket I4 is provided with a rearwardly extending receiving socket or member l6 adapted to receive one end of a plug H, the receiving socket l6 being electrically connected to the heating element (not visible) within the iron body in the conventional manner.

The rear of the iron body II is provided with a triangular extension l8 and the receiving socket l6 15 provided with a hook-shaped extension 19 in order that the iron may rest on its rearward end in the manner illustrated in Fig. 2, the iron being ordinarily put in such position at times when it is not in use or is not to be used for a long or short period of time. The iron may, of course, be provided with the usual thermostatic heat control switch 20 it so' desired, and, as -already mentioned, the present invention involves no structural changes in the iron itself.

The plug ll heretofore mentioned may be of conventional rubber, plastic or other nonmetallic or insulating material, and differs from conventional plugs chiefly in that it is somewhat longer and is provided interiorly with one or more mercury switches designated as 2|. In other words, the material of the plug is provided with grooves, recesses, or channels 22 to receive not only the conventional connecting members 23 which make engagement with the contacts 24 in the receiving socket 16, but also the newly provided switch elements 2| which also are made of rubber, plastic, or some other insulating material. The plug is provided with a central rib 25 having holes 26 for the appropriate assembly with the other half of the plug in accordance with the usual arrangement.

It will be noted from Fig. 3 in particular that each switch element 2| is provided with a pair of contacts 21 and 28, the former serving to effect connection to the wires 29 within the cord 3|! and the latter serving to make connection with the elements 23 heretofore. described. Contacts 28 are adapted to be screw-connected to 23 as designated at 3|. These terminals 21 and 28 are preferably and ordinarily cast in situ when the capsule itself. is manufactured, and this is, I believe, the best and the most inexpensive way to produce the present capsules. However, it is to be understood that it is within the purview of my invention to apply the terminals subsequent to the manufacture of the capsules, in which case it is necessary to provide the capsule with the necessary apertures, to insert the terminals in the apertures and then to effect an air-tight seal which can be done either by heat or by a solvent depending upon the nature of the material of the capsule in any particular case.

Each such capsule 2| is provided with a globule or small pool of metallic mercury 32, the volume of which is just suflicient to connect the terminals 21 and 28 when the plug is in the position shown in Fig. 1. The shape and volumetric capacity of the hollow capsuleare such that when the plug is moved through an angle such as that involved in setting the iron in the position of Fig. 2 the mercury 32 moves into a position substantially that indicated in dotted lines at 32', under which conditions it will be clearly observed that there is no longer any metallic connection between terminals 21 and 28 and thus the connection is broken and electricity will'not flow to the heating element of the iron, appliance, or device.

Thus, when the iron is in the position illustrated in Fig. 2 the current has been shut oil or disconnected and the mercury switch has effected its intended function. It will be clearly understood that a mere setting of the iron in the position of Fig. 2 automatically turns 01! the current without any further action or operation of any kind and also that reverting the iron to the position of Fig. 1 or to any position in which the mercury makes connection between the terminals 21 and 28 again connects the iron to the source of current Just as the actuation of a conventional switch to the on position accomplishes the same end, but in the case of the present invention no manual actuation of the switch itself is required. Thus, if the iron is placed in the position of Fig. 2 for any desired purpose, further heating thereof will be discontinued, and in case the iron is left in such position for a considerable time as to let it cool or for the user thereof to carry out some other duty there is no danger either of the iron becoming overheated, of current being wasted, or of damage being caused in any way. Of course, it will be further understood that when the screw or pronged plug at the other end of the cord 30 is disconnected from the outlet, wall socket, etc. a change in position of the iron and/or plug I1 is immaterial relative to current flowing just as where the present invention is not employed. The 103 angular change in position shown in Fig. 2 is purely exemplary and constitutes no limitation whatever upon my invention.-

As shown in Fig. 4, it is not necessary to provide the plug Fla with two switch elements or capsules as one such. (21a) is ordinarily sufiicient and the movement 'of the mercury 320. into the dotted line position indicated at 32a will effect the same results even though the other terminal 21a is at all times connected to the terminal or contact 28a. The construction of either Fig. 3 or Fig. 4 is especially adapted for electric irons and either one is capable of effecting the objects of this invention. The parts are otherwise like Fig. 3 as is indicated by the use of the same numerals with an a" sufllx.

In Fig. 5 I have shown a modified form of capsule 21b which is identical with those (2| and 21a) previously referred to except that it has a funnel-shaped baflie or partition 33 provided interiorly thereof, and of the same material as the capsule, the funnel being in inverted position, i. e., in the position of Fig. 5, when the iron or other electrical appliance or piece of equipment is in operation with the current connected as in Fig. 1. However, should the capsule of Fig. 5 or the plug or article with which the same is associated be inverted or moved into such position that mercury is capable of flowing through the small opening 34 in the end of the funnel, then the mercury moves into the chamber or space 35 at the other end of the capsule, thus breaking the current connection. The arrangement of the capsule of Fig. 5 is such, however, that restoration of the capsule, plug, or article to the position of Fig. 5 will not reestablish the circuit even though everything. else remains unchanged, and, while some of the mercury may find its way back through the small funnel opening 34 into the chamber in which it is located in Fig. 5, nevertheless insufficient mercury will be re stored to the original position to make the necessary connection between terminals 21b and 28b. The capsule of Fig. 5, while more in the nature of a fuse, is responsive to special or peculiar conditions. This capsule is adapted to be used, for example, in connection with automotive or aeronautical vehicles. Thus, an automobile or aeroplane provided with switches or fuses in accordance with Fig. 5 would be, in effect, provided with a safety device because if the automobile overturned or the aeroplane crashed, position changes would be involved such as would cause automatic and instantaneous disconnection of the circuit to the motor, etc. and thus fires or the like would be prevented due to such accidents.

row passageway 31 so that the mercury 320 can gain access to the chamber or space 38 at the other end of the capsule and on the other side of the baiile. The capsule of Fig. 6 is in all essential respects similar to Fig. in construction and use,

but Fig. 6 is somewhat less expensive to manufacture and also has additional uses such aswhere change in position is involved which is somewhat less than in Fig. 5. It is also possible in the form of the invention shown in Fig. 6 to get the mercury back to its normal position as it will be apparent that by proper manipulation the mercury can be caused to return through the passageway 31, whereas such is not'possible for the capsule of Fig. 5. a

In Fig. 7 a cruciform capsule M11 is illustrated which has utility beyond that described in connection with the previous forms of capsule. This cruciform capsule has four chambers 39 each one of which is adapted 'to contain the entire body of mercury 32d. In Fig. 'I the mercury is shown in one such chamber 39' which is provided with terminals 21d and 28d for circuit establishing purposes, and the other chambers 39 are shown as without such terminals. It is, however, to be understood that any or all of the chambers can be provided with terminals, and, furthermore, that the capsule of Fig. 7 may have any desired number of chambers, the four shown being purely for illustrative purposes, but the number of chambers may range from two up to any num ber required, depending upon size and space restrictions, particular use of the capsule, and other factors which will be understood. It is understood that the chambers may be all on one plane or on several planes and at angles to each other, depending upon the use of the capsule. It will therefore be appreciated thata change in the position of the capsule of Fig. '7 may cause the mercury 32d to enter any of the remaining chambers, depending upon the direction and extent of inclination. In the capsule of Fig. 7 it is clearly possible to cause the mercury to return to its normal position as shown in that figure. The capsule of Fig. 7' may beemployed where it is desired to establish or break a circuit upon a predetermined angular movement of the cap- -sule and of the article or object with which it a is associated and/or to establish and disestablish circuits successively, alternately, or in a particular order for actuation or control purposes of various sorts.

The modification of the invention illustrated in Fig. 8 embodies two capsules 2ie of the type shown in Fig. 3 but wherein each such capsule is provided with three terminals. The lower terminals 40 in Fig. '8 may lead via wires II to any desired piece of apparatus or equipment which employs electrical current for its operation or actuation, and the upper set of terminals It, will be apparent that under the influence of the rocking or tilting movements of support member 44 the mercury pools He will alternately and successively establish and disestablish the circuits provided.

The volumetric capacity of the capsules and ihe quantity of mercury therein are socorrelated that the mercury is capable of connecting either the terminals" and He or the' terminals 42 and 21c, and thus the associated equipment or apparatus can be rendered operativeand inoperative insofar as they are controlled by the passage of electrical current thereto.

It will be understood from what has preceded that the present invention may take numerous specific forms and that one or more of such specific forms may be applied to various electrical appliances, machines or apparatus. The invention is particularly applicable to electric irons but, as explained above, is also useful as a safety device in automobiles and aeroplanes. The invention is, however, useful in boats of various types, especially those which are operated by 42 lead via wires 43 to another or different machine. The intermediate terminals 2'Ie correspond to those illustrated at 21 in Fig. 3. The base or support member 44 in which the capsules are mounted or embedded is preferably one which is capable of being rocked or successively tilted in opposite directions about a suitable fulcrum,

or by means of any suitable device (not shown).

Diesel electric systems and in submarines. Not only does the invention have a decided safety value and the capacity to minimize consumption ofelectricity, but it has the advantage of having no working parts which require manual or other operation which might result in deterioration or destruction due to wear and tear, etc. The life of the capsule--and hence of the plug, switch, or the like with which the same is associated--is indefinite, being limited only by the susceptibility of the mercury to oxidize and thus become useless. In a properly constructed capsule, however, which is air-tight, life of the capsule is almost unlimited. In the form of the device shown in Fig. 5, the life of the capsule is one operation thereof only.

In connection with the safety factors involved in the use of the present capsule I wish to point out that where the capsule is temporarily subjected to an electrical overload such as would result in the blowing of a fuse in a conventional electrical circuit the present capsule has many of the advantages of sucha fuse because any sudden increase in the passage of current through the mercury would produce a heating effect such that the mercury would be raised to a temperatunre at which it would sublime. Thus, the mercury would automatically transfer itself in the form of condensed droplets to another part of the capsule, and thus, temporarily at least, the circuit would be broken withou any change in position of the capsule. Where the electrical circuit is provided with the conventional fuses the overload would result in burning out the fuse as is well understood.

While I have attempted above to explain a number of the applica' ions of my invention and the purposes and advantages thereof, I wish it to be understood that the foregoing is not intended to be restrictive or limitative since other and furher modifications, additions, omissions, and substitutions may be resorted to without departin from the spirit and principles hereof. Rather the scope of the invention is that defined by the appended claims.

Having thus described my invenion, what I claim as new anddesire to secure by Letters longitudinal recesses between which a central rib is disposed, a pair of spaced parallel connecting members in said recesses, a pair of hollow capsules of electrically non-conducting material,

also disposed in spaced parallel position in such recesses adjacent said connecting members, that portion of each capsule nearest the adjacent connecting member being provided with a contact which in one direction extends through the wall thereof into the interior of the capsule and in the opposite direction into contact with said connecting member, each such capsule being also provided with another contact spaced from the previous contact extending in one direction such capsule and having a volume suflicient to bridge the said contacts in one position of the switch plug and insumci'ent to bridge those contacts in another position of the switch plug.

2. A detachable switch plug which comprises a pair of separable sections of electrically non-conductive material at least one of which is characterized by having a pair of spaced parallel longitudinal recesses between which a central rib is disposed, a pair of spaced parallel connecting members in said recesses, a pair oi hollow capsules of electrically non-conducting material also disposed in spaced parallel position in such recesses adjacent said connecting members, that portion of each capsule nearest the adjacent connecting member being provided with a contact which in one direction extends 'through the wall thereof into the interior of the capsule and in the opposite direction into contact with said connecting member, each such capsule being also provided with another contact spaced from the previous contact extending in one direction through the wall and into the interior oi the capsule and in the opposite direction into contact with a current conductor and a body of electrically conductive material in the interior of each such capsule and having a volume sumcient to bridge the said contacts in one position of the switch plug and insufficient to bridge those contacts in another position of the switch plug, each such capsule being disposed in alignment with the adjacent connecting member and the contacts of each capsule being positioned at an angle oi a about 90 to each other.

3. A detachable switch plug which comprises a pair of separable sections of'electrically non-conductive material at least one of which is characterized by having a pair oi. spaced parallel longitudinal recesses between which a central rib is disposed, a pair of spaced parallel connecting members in said recesses, a pair of hollow capsules of electrically non-conducting material also disposed in spaced parallel position in such recesses adjacent said connecting members, that portion of each capsule nearest the adjacent connecting member being provided with a contact which in one direction extends through the wall thereof into the interior of the capsule and in the opposite direction into contact with said.

connecting member, each such capsule being also provided with another contact spaced from the previous contact extending in one direction through the wall and into the interior or the capsule and in the opposite direction into contact with a current conductor and a body of electrically conductive material in the interior of each such capsule and having a volume sumcient to bridge the said contacts in one position oi the switch plug and insumcient to bridge those contacts in another position oi. the switch plug, each hollow capsule being substantially in the form of a closed cylinder having its major axis longi-- tudinal of the switch plug and the switch plug being of a relatively flat and thin nature of appreciably greater length than conventional switch plugs.

4. A detachable switch plug which comprises a pair or separable sections of, electrically nonconductive material at least one of which is characterized by having a pair of spaced parallel longitudinal recesses between which a central rib is disposed, a pair of spaced parallel connecting members'in said recesses, a pair of hollow capsules of electrically non-conducting material also disposed in spaced'parailelposition in such recesses adjacent said connecting members, that portion of each capsule nearest the adjacent connecting member being provided with a contact which in one direction extends through the wall thereof into the interior of the capsule and in the opposite direction necting member, each such capsule being also provided with another contact spaced from the previous contact extending in one direction through the wall and into the interior of the capsule and in the opposite direction into contact with a current conductor and a body 0! electrically conductive material in the interior of each such capsule and having a volume suilicient to bridge the said contacts in one position or the switch plug and insuiiicient to bridge those contacts in another position of the switch plug, each such capsule being substantially straight and interiorly unobstructed whereby the body of con-- ductive material is capable 01'- moving freely and rapidly in response to movements of said switch plug.

5. A detachable switch plug which comprises a pair of separable sections- 01' electrically nonconductive material at least oneoi which is characterized by having a pair of spaced parallel longitudinal recesses between which a central rib is disposed, a pair of spaced parallel connecting members in said recesses, a pair of hollow capsules oi electrically non-conducting material also disposed in spaced parallel position in such recesses adjacent said connecting members, that portion of each capsule nearest the adjacent connecting member being provided with a contact which in one direction extends through the wall thereof into the interior of the capsule and in the opposite direction into contact with said connecting member,

contact extending in one direction through the wall and into the interior of the capsule and in the opposite direction into contact with a current conductor and a body oi electrically conductive material in the interior 01' each such capsule and having a volume sumcient to bridge the said contacts in one position of the switch plug and insumcient to bridge those contacts in another posieach such capsule being into contact with said con-,

each such capsule being also provided with another contact spaced from the previous recesses between which a central rib is disposed, a pair of spaced parallel connecting members in said recesses, at least one hollow closed cylindrical capsule of electrically non-conductingmaterial disposed in one of said recesses adjacent one of said connecting members, the portion of .the capsule which is nearest the connecting member being provided with a contact which in one direction extends through the wall of the capsule into the interior thereof and in the opposite direction into contact, with said connecting member, said capsule being also provided with another contact extending in one direction through the wall and into the interior oi. the capsule and in the opposite direction into contact with a current conductor, the second contact being dis sed at an angle of about 90 to the first contact and spaced therefrom, means for effecting contact between the other connecting member and a current conductor and a body of electrically conductive material in the interior of the capsule and having a volume sufficient to bridge the contacts extending thereinto in one position of the switch plug and insuflicient to bridge those contacts in another position of the switch plug, the construction and arrangement being such that said contacts are continuously bridged by said body of conductive material during normal use of the switch plug.

7. A switch plug having a .pair of connecting members at its inner end adapted for detachable connection with the current-supply prongs of an electrical device, said plug comprising separable sections of electrically non-conductive material and having therein a pairof spaced parallel longitudinal recesses open at one end and closed at the other end in which said connecting members are disposed adjacent the open end, a

longitudinal rib between said recesses 'and extending partway from the open end thereof toward the closed end to provide a conductor-receiving space, a hollow capsule of electrically non-conducting material positioned in one of such recesses adjacent the closed end thereof and substantially aligned with and in the same plane as one or said connecting members, said capsule thereby being mounted relatively remote to the electrical device to minimize the effect on the capsule of heat emanating from such device, the end portion of the capsule nearest the adjacent connecting member being provided with a contact which in one direction extends through the wall thereof into the interior of the capsule and in the opposite direction into contact with the connecting member, said capsule being provided with another contact spaced from the previous contact extending in one direction through the wall and into the interior of the capsule and in the opposite direction into contact with a current conductor and a body of electrically conductive material in the interior of such capsule movable responsive to tilting movements of the switch plug, said body being of a volume sufiicient to bridge said contacts in one position of the switch plug and insuflicient to bridge those contacts in another position of the switch plug and said current conductor entering saidplug adjacent the closed ends of said recesses and extending into the said conductor-receiving space between and substantially parallel to the inner ends of said recesses.

8. A switch plug having a pair of connecting members at its inner end adapted for detachable application to the current-supply prongs of an electrical appliance, and comprising separable sections of electrically non-conductive material, said plug having therein a pair of spaced parallel longitudinal recesses open at one end and closed at the other end between which a central rib is disposed and in each of which one of said connecting members is positioned, a pair of hollow capsules of electrically non-conducting material arranged in spaced parallel position in such recesses adjacent the closed ends thereof, said capsules thereby being mounted relatively remote from the associated electrical appliance to minimize the effect on the capsules of heat emanating from such appliance, the end portion of each capsule nearest the adjacent connecting member being provided with a contact which in one direction extends through the wall thereof into the interior of the capsule and in the opposite direction into contact with said connecting member, each such capsule being also provided intermediate its ends with another contact spaced from the previous contact extending in one direction through the wall and into the interior of the capsule and in the opposite direction into contact with a current conductor and a body of electrically conductive material in the interior of each such capsule movable in response to tilting movements of the plug and being of a volume suiflcient to bridge the said contacts in one position of the switch plug but insufllcient to bridge those contacts in another position of the switch plug, said rib being shorter than the plug to provide an interior space communicating with both recesses and current conductors for said capsules in such space and disposed in substantial alignment with said rib.

9. A switch plug having a pair of connecting members at its irmer end adapted for detachable application to the current-supply prongs of an electrical appliance, and comprising separable sections of electrically non-conductive material, said plug having therein a pair of spaced parallel longitudinal recesses open at one end and closed at the other end between which a central rib is disposed and in each of which one of said connecting members is positioned, a pair of hollow capsules of electrically non-conducting material arranged in spaced parallel position in such recesses adjacent the closed endsthereof,

said capsules thereby being mounted relatively remote from the associated electrical appliance to minimize the efiect on the capsules of heat emanating from such appliance, the end portion of each capsule nearest the adjacent connecting member being provided with a contact which in one direction extends through the wall thereof into the interior of the capsule and in the opposite direction into contact with said connecting member, each such capsule being also .provided intermediate its ends with another contact spaced from the previous contact extending in one direction through the wall and into the interior of the capsule and in the opposite direction into contact with a current conductor and a body of electrically conductive material in the interior of each such capsule movable in response to tilting movements of the plug and being of a volume suflicient to bridge the said contacts in one position of the switch plug but insuflicient to bridge those contacts in another position of the switch plug, said rib being shorter than the plug to provide an interior space communicating with both recessesand current conductors for said capsules in such space and disposed in substantial alignment with said rib, each hollow capsule being substantially in the form of a 7 ing members.

10. A detachable switch plug so constructed and arranged as to make and break an electrical circuit therethrough solely in accordance, with the position of such plug which comprises a pair of separable sections of electrically non-conductive material having longitudinal grooves which, when the separable sections are assembled, form passageways through said plug, means in said passageways for detachable connection to an electrical device, means adjacent the other end of said passageways for making connection with a source of electrical current and means between and normally electrically connecting said first and second means, said last means including at least one hollow capsule of electrically non-conductive material, contacts connected to said first and second means and projecting interiorly of said capsule and a body of electrically conductive fiowable material capable of changing its position in its capsule in response to changes in position of .said plug and having one position in which it bridges said contacts to complete said circuit and another position in which it fails to bridge said contacts and thus interrupts said elec-' trical circuit.

11. A detachable switch plug so constructed and arranged as to make and break an electrical circuit therethrough solely in accordance with the position of such plug which comprises a pair of separable sections or electricaly non-conductive material having longitudinal grooves which, when the separable sections are assembled, form passageways through said plug, means in said passageways tor detachable connection to an electrical device, means adjacent the other end of said passageways for making connection with a source of electrical current and means between and normally electrically connecting said first and second means, said last means including at least one hollow capsule of electrically non-conductive material, contacts connected to said first and second means and projecting interiorly of said capsule and a body of electrically conductive fiowable material capable of changing its position in its capsule in response to changes in position of said plug and having one position in which it bridges said contacts, to complete said circuit and another position in which it fails to bridge said contacts and thus interrupts said' electrical circuit, said capsule being in the form of a hollow cylinder closed at both ends and having a volumetric capacity substantially greater than the volume of the said body of flowable material.

12. A detachable switch plug so constructed and arranged as to make and break an electrical circuit therethrough solely in accordance with the position of such plug which comprises a pair of separable sections of electrically non-conductive material having longitudinal grooves which, when the separable sections are assembled, form passageways through said plug, means in said pas,- sageways for detachable connection to an electrical device, means adjacent the other end of said passageways for making connection with a source of electrical current and means between and normally electrically connecting said first and second means, said last means including at least one hollow capsule oi electrically non-conductive material, contacts connected to said first and second means and projecting interiorly 01' said capsule and a body oi electrically conductive fiowable material capable of changing its position in its capsule in response to changes in position of said plug and having one position in which it bridges said contacts to complete said circuit and another position in which it fails to bridge said contacts and thus interrupts said electrical circuit, the separable halves aforesaid being or materially greater length than prior switch plugs and the said first and third means being longitudinally aligned in the passagewaysextending through the said plug.

13. A detachable switch plug so constructed and arranged as to makeand break an electrical circuit therethrough solely in accordance with the position 01' such plug which comprises a pair of separable sections of electrically non-conductive material haying longitudinal grooves which, when the separable sections'are assembled, form passageways through said plug, means in said passageways'tor detachable connection to an electrical device, means adjacent the other end of said passageways 1'or making connection with a source of electrical current and means between and normally electrically connecting said first and second means, said last means including at least one hollow capsule of electrically nonconductive material, contacts connected to said first and second means and projecting interiorly of said capsule and a body of electrically conductive fiowable material capable of changing its position in its capsule in response to changes in position of said plug and having one position in which it bridges said contacts to complete said circuit and another position in which it Iails to bridge said contacts and thus interrupts said electrical circuit, said capsulesbeing in the form of a hollow cylinder closed at both ends and internally smooth and unrestricted.

14. A detachable switch plug so constructed and arranged as to make and break an electrical circuit therethrough solely in accordance with tive material having longitudinal grooves which, when the separable sections are assembled, i'orm passageways through said plug, means in said passageways for detachable connection to an'electrical device, means adjacent the other end of said passageways for making connection with a source of electrical current and means between and normally electrically connecting said first and second means, said last means including at least one hollow capsule oi electrically non-conductive material, contacts connected to said first and second means and projecting interiorly oi said capsule and a body of electrically conductivefiowable material capable oi. changing its position in its capsule in response to changes in position of said plug and having one position in which it bridges said contacts to complete said circuit and another position in which it fails to bridge said contacts and thusinterrupts said terior projections which predetermlnately retard and control the movement of the said iiowable material.

REUBEN FINGOlZ-D. 

